It may just be a clock, but the aptly named Gravity Clock does much more than simply tell time: it is a reminder of the two most important elements in our daily existence – Time and Gravity – without which our very understanding of space and life would be altogether separate from what we know as reality.
Conceptualized in a simple and minimalistic design, the Gravity Clock conveys the omnipresence of Time and Gravity as a basic showpiece that is both artistic and practical. The fact that it stands at an uneven, crooked angle that makes it appear as though it is sinking or disappearing merely reminds us of the fleeting nature of Time, a key concept that its makers wanted to remind observers of every time they look at the Gravity Clock. A clock with social awareness: not bad, we say.
We recently spoke with The Gravity Clock’s designer and Los Angeles area entrepreneur Thanasit “Sunny” Inkavesvaanit to learn more about this unusual project and what his hope are for its future.
Q: What are you hoping anyone who owns a Gravity Clock will benefit from its purchase?
Sunny: If you look around, the world has become a pretty complicated place. Daily life for most of us is simply hectic: work, responsibilities, life, etc. Technologies have advanced so quickly to help us better deal with all our problems, while at the same time creating a whole new set of complications in our everyday life. So aside from the daily grind, we now have to tend to our social network, catch up with the changing technologies and upgrades, etc. It’s no wonder that most of us simply lose track of time at some point.
The Gravity Clock was created as a functional art piece with two purposes:
1) To keep tracking of time
2) To remind us of the importance of time through the design philosophy
We are not offering a solution to a problem; we are simply offering a product that is unique, simple, and beautiful. We intended to create The Gravity Clock to be something that people can simply appreciate as-is, not because of a fad, not because of how it’s marketed, and not because of its packaging. It is a minimal, well-designed product, created to keep track of time, and nothing more. Hopefully through aesthetic appreciation, consumers will resonate with the philosophy upon which this piece was created, and that every time the look at the clock, they will be subconsciously reminded of the gravity of time.
Q: How long have you lived in the Los Angeles area, and what are your favorite places in Los Angeles that only locals know about?
Sunny: I lived in the Los Angeles area for most of my life. We have been here for over 27 years. Places I go to relax are mainly the 3rd Street Promenade, Old Town Pasadena, and Hollywood. But these are mainly tourist places. I am a fan of food, and some of my obsessions are Philippe’s French Dip Sandwiches in Downtown Los Angeles, Shabu Shabu House is Little Japanese Village, and Pink’s Hot Dog in Hollywood.
Q: Who do you think will be the target market for The Gravity Clock?
Sunny: The design team has played with this idea over the past two years and has created a number of Gravity Clocks for a few clients who fell in love with the design. We also so used their feedback to perfect the base design in order to fine-tune the design. Now that we feel confident with the product, we want to bring it up a notch, and decided to bring this design to the Kickstarter community.
I have noticed over the years that Kickstarter has created a community based on appreciation of the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. There is a sense of energy and the enthusiasm that you simply don’t find in traditional business outlets. We feel that the design would be well received and much appreciated by people who are connected in some way to Kickstarter and their communities.
Q: What types of jobs did you work before becoming an entrepreneur?
Sunny: I have worked in a small retail and wholesale family business since I was 14, dealing with fashion jewelry, and have worked as freelance graphic designer while working with my family. Art has always been a big part of my life. Photography and graphic design have always come easily to me, but there is nothing that pulls me in the way product design does.
We started Más Design a year and a half ago as a part-time project for the iPhone 4/4S. It was our first step in the direction of product design. We are just learning the ABCs of this industry, so there is much to learn. Fortunately, the designs of our first products were well received, with a great deal of encouragement from our friends, customers, and partners.
Q: What is it like launching a business in Los Angeles?
Sunny: Well, I love Los Angeles and it feels great to live here. No matter where you go or what you do there will always be challenges. After all these years, I still feel like Los Angles is a place where anything is possible as long as you pay your dues.
